World Cup Brazil - For the Love of Colour

I love anything positive that brings people of the world together like the Olympics and now the World Cup. Some of you may hate the football but I enjoy it as although teams play against each other, it unites people. Barriers like language, race or background are broken despite war, poverty and crime. We all sing, cheer and celebrate for our love of football, it is infectious. 

United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan said of the World Cup: 

"As the only game in the world that is played in every country by people of every race and religion." 

Art also brings people together, every 4 years Brazilians paint their streets for the love of football. This year they are sharing it with the world. 

With the World Cup starting today watch a country brought to life by its people and explore the colourful streets of Brazil in this short video to infect the non football fans amongst you! 

Celebrate Life - Charlie Chaplin's Iconic Speech

We have all heard of Charlie Chaplin, an endearing actor, entertaining and inspiring millions in his silent movies without needing to speak a word. 

But when he did speak, he inspired generations, as shown in his iconic speech in his 1940 movie "The Great Dictator" which I had to share for those who have not watched it before: 

With this speech in mind I wanted to share a piece of art that captures the beauty of his wisdom, as relevant today as it was back then in 1940. What will you take from it?

Charlie Chaplin inspired artwork. 

My Featured Interview

I am excited to say I have been featured in an article in A Little bit Individual, a website where "finding that unique gift idea became a little easier." Click the link below but visit again soon as I will be adding to this when I can: 

Featured article MONSOON ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY | a little bit individual

I was also interviewed about my art so please click this link to read my interview with Adrian: 

My Featured Q & A Interview MONSOON ARTS & PHOTOGRAPHY

Here is a small peek at when Adrian interviewed me: 

I can enhance your photos, add borders or various filters & effects. 

So, what can you expect from my art? 

Colourful & quirky paintings. All sold at affordable prices for everyone to enjoy, whether it be through a painting, print or by giving a loved one one of my greeting cards. 

My Indian inspired watercolour painting makes a nice gift to give to someone special or to just treat yourself! 

What’s the best thing about being an artist? 

As well as being creative which is my passion, I get to express the things I love and then share this with thousands of people from a busy corridor, other cities & even on a double decker bus. But I also love it when people tell me they’ll be using a greeting card to write a note to tell someone they love them. I think that’s sweet. 

Professionally, what’s my goal? 

It’s great to see my art in public spaces and it was a nice feeling to see one of my posters on the outside of a double decker bus and another around Liverpool. But eventually I’d love to see more of my art go overseas. As well as doing more professional henna, I’d love for my greeting cards to be part of a professional publisher and sold in high street shops. 

London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Inspiration

I get really inspired by events like the London Paralympic and Olympics, they really do "Inspire a generation." 

Colourful performers with umbrellas are suspended from mid air. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

Nearly 27m people watched the Olympic opening ceremony making it one of the most watched programmes in history! It's fair to describe The Games as "the greatest show on earth." 

The hundreds of performers create a sea of umbrellas. Image from: 
www.olympics.time.com/

The ceremonies are a great way to celebrate everything The Games are about. From British history and texts from Shakespeare, to flying performers, fireworks and also Stephen Hawking who said the Paralympic Games is about transforming our perception of the world. 

The Union Jack flag carried by members of the Armed Forces. Image from: 

www.olympics.time.com/

The London Paralympic opening ceremony was set to the theme of enlightenment and offers a more deeper kind of inspiration. What inspires me is the story behind each athlete, they serve as an inspiration to us all. Some are disabled from birth, others have suffered terrible accidents, some the victims of terrorist attacks and others ex-service military men and woman, yet they stay determined to achieve what they want. 

The Cauldron, all lit up marking the start of The Games. Image from:
www.Dailymail.co.uk

I've enjoyed watching The Games, getting inspired and also being able to share the wonderful journeys of the athletes. I'm sure the closing ceremony "The Festival of Flame" will be just as inspiring for me and many others around the world!!

Fireworks display marking the start of The Games. Image from: www.guardian.co.uk/

I'd like to share the words spoken by professor Stephen Hawking at the opening ceremony: 

"What is important is that we have the ability to create. This creativity can take many forms from physical achievement to theoretical physics. However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at." 

"The Games provide an opportunity for athletes to excel, to stretch themselves and become outstanding in their field. So let us together celebrate excellence, friendship and respect. Good luck to all." 

My Exhibit is Now Open!

My exhibit is now open! Yay! On Monday I set up my display at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. All are welcome to visit any time. Expect to see my cute mini greeting cards, paintings, photography prints & computer generated pictures - all framed. If you'd like to purchase any art contact me via my blog or through my: 

Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/monsoonartsandphotography
Email: Sharon_Kerala@Hotmail.com

I only just managed to frame & get my artwork ready in time as I've been very distracted with my new puppy. Those of you who know me will know just how much I've loved dogs my whole life, I've never been without one. 

Visit again soon to see photos of my colourful display, all feedback welcome. 
Sharon

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